10 Highlights of San Antonio

San Antonio is a popular Texas destination for many reasons: history, culture, art, excitement, the list goes on. From the Alamo to SeaWorld, San Antonio is a vibrant composite of cultures, histories, and modern attractions. If you like a colorful, fun environment, great food, and good people, there's no better place than San Antonio, Texas for your senior trip.

1. The Alamo

The most famous landmark in Texas, the Alamo is the obvious first-stop destination for any visitor of San Antonio. Originally a missionary outpost, the Alamo became a military fort and the site of a 13 day siege between a small band of brave Texans and the army of General Santa Anna. Though the Alamo fell, it remains a symbol of bravery, the power of will, and the livelihood of the Republic of Texas.

2. Riverwalk

Located on the banks of the lovely San Antonio River, the Riverwalk is a vibrant and vivacious entertainment, shopping, and dining district. Find five star dining and delicious affordable eats mingling with the scents of handmade soap shops, the sounds of frivolity, and the gentle lapping of the water. Come with your group and explore the area that has made a reputation as the face of social San Antonio.

3. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Preserving four Spanish Catholic mission churches built between the 17th and 19th centuries, the San Antonio Missions represent the early Spanish colonization. The efforts of the brave missionaries helped convert and aid locals in need. Visit four of the five missions in the National Historical Park including Mission Concepcion and Mission San Jose.

4. SeaWorld

You all know what a delight the combination of marine life and theme park rides SeaWorld has made, but if you're going to experience one SeaWorld, make it San Antonio. The famous home of Shamu the Orca, SeaWorld San Antonio is continuously one of the best attractions for both wildlife and amusement park rides. Take part in one of the up-close animal encounters with penguins and belugas, ride the Steel Eel, meet the sea lions, flip upside down on The Great White, or see Shamu's friends at a live show.

5. McNay Art Museum

Starting off from a personal collection from an avid art enthusiast, the McNay Art Museum opened its doors in 1954 with the intent of inspiring and encouraging an appreciation for artistic expressions of all kinds. This building represents the first modern art museum in the state, holding over 20,000 objects in its permanent collection. See masters like Van Gogh, Degas, Cezanne, Gauguin, and others in the magnificent Spanish style villa that is itself a work of art.

6. San Antonio Zoo

Home to over 9,000 animals representing 750 species, the San Antonio Zoo is a staggering work of animal conservation and pride. First established in 1914, the San Antonio Zoo was one of the first "cageless" zoos in the country with expansive exhibits for animals to freely roam. This beautiful attraction is filled with your favorite exotic animals including cheetahs, lions, tigers, Asian elephants, alligators, and more. While you're here, feed birds at Lorry Landing, ride the carousel, or take a behind-the-scenes tour.

7. Alamo Drafthouse

Everyone loves a good movie theater, especially when you can eat dinner and watch a movie at the same time. The Alamo Drafthouse is one of the best theaters in the country for its dining menu, excellent service, and of course, it's wide selection of films. They have a fun reputation for their participation film series like Rocky Horror Picture Show, Clue, and quote-along and sing-alongs movies.

8. Natural Bridge Caverns

It truly is amazing to walk within the grand passages, small spaces, and geological formations of a cave or cavern and know that all of it was created by the movements of water over centuries. Follow the tour guide as they lead you through the underground caves on the popular and original Discovery Tour or even take the morning Lantern Tour, only offered at 9 am. Also on the property is an exciting open air maze challenge, obstacle and zip line course, and other fun activities.

9. King William Historic District

This historic district outside of downtown San Antonio was developed in the mid 19th century by German immigrants to be a fashionable, cultured and impressive display of Victorian, Greek Revival, and Italianate styles. One of the most iconic is the Edward Steves Homestead, built in 1876 by a prominent San Antonio entrepreneur. The house is open for tours while the others in the district are, of course, viewable by walking tours.

10. Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Finally, end your trip to San Antonio with a magnificent flourish at one of the best Six Flags parks in the country. With newly added roller coasters that will scare your socks off, delicious international cuisine, exciting shows, and more, you'll never want to leave Fiesta Texas. From young children to adventurous adults, there's something for everyone. The Poltergeist bullets you from 0-60 mph in only 3.5 seconds while Superman boasts the tallest vertical loop in the world. Or you can ride down the lazy river, explore the water park, munch on a fresh funnel cake, and more.